2026/5/20

On Wednesday, May 20, Fifty-second Head Priest Tainen Miyagi of Shogo-in Monzeki Temple delivered a special lecture for the "Kyoto Studies A" general education course taught by Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences Guest Professor Sousen Kizu and Associate Professor Sono Yamasaki.
During the lecture, Mr. Miyagi explained the history of mountain worship practices in Japan started by founder En no Gyoja, ascetic practices and dress in the Shugendo syncretic religion, and more.

Addressing the students, Mr. Miyagi stated, "Practitioners discover themselves through harsh training practices. Academic studies are similar: the lessons will finally stick after you have pursued them for dozens of years. The important part then becomes how you make use of what you have learned."

During the Q&A session, he answered inquiries regarding the differences between past and current Shugendo ascetic practices, among other topics. He also gave a live demonstration of how to play a conch shell (a common custom in Shugendo).
Some students volunteered to try sounding the shell themselves, with gasps of astonishment filling the room when one of them was able to produce a clear tone.
The lecture provided a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about and personally experience Japan's traditional spiritual culture.

Back